New Koi Pond Build apox 8'x12'

[ErikvR]

Well I'm not sure how yours is set up but mine is way above the pond I just assumed that my pump was to small. Thanks for sharing your findings I guess I will add another valve to the second return line and see if having both valves adjusted slows the flow some.

The return shouldn't be restricted in flow by valves or anything else.
If you add a valve, it could potentially overflow if the flow changes slightly over time by dirt or anything else.
It will also be an impossible balancing act (yes, I've tried )

The 'dirty' foam blocks should be the restricting factor in the flow through the filter. The divider between the chambers has an overflow that makes it bypass the divider and let it flow directly to the return which should not be restricted.

They should really make this clear in the installation manual...

 

[ErikvR]

This is the (translated) initial reply I got from Oase germany:

Good morning,

With the OASE ScreenMatic2, it's perfectly normal for the sponges to initially be only half submerged.
This is by design and doesn't indicate a problem.

1. Clean sponges allow water to flow through easily, keeping the water level low.
2. As the sponges become dirty, the water level in the filter rises.
3. Once the water level reaches the dirt indicator, it's time to clean the sponges.
4. After cleaning, the water level drops again, allowing the system to function optimally again.

It is therefore not possible to set the water level yourself – the filter automatically indicates when maintenance is required.

 

[Landman]

The return shouldn't be restricted in flow by valves or anything else.
If you add a valve, it could potentially overflow if the flow changes slightly over time by dirt or anything else.
It will also be an impossible balancing act (yes, I've tried )

The 'dirty' foam blocks should be the restricting factor in the flow through the filter. The divider between the chambers has an overflow that makes it bypass the divider and let it flow directly to the return which should not be restricted.

They should really make this clear in the installation manual...

So I'd like to get mine running properly and cant change the height but my thinking about flow was based off the fact that this is a gravity system and because its so high above the pond that more gravity is pulling the water quicker so having valves would help prevent that fast flow allowing the filter to function correctly as it will fill up properly and not drain out at the same rate. Also valves are common on returns see OZ ponds video. I'm open for suggestions and would love to hear how you get yours running optimally. Thanks

 

[Landman]

This is the (translated) initial reply I got from Oase germany:

Good morning,

With the OASE ScreenMatic2, it's perfectly normal for the sponges to initially be only half submerged.
This is by design and doesn't indicate a problem.

1. Clean sponges allow water to flow through easily, keeping the water level low.
2. As the sponges become dirty, the water level in the filter rises.
3. Once the water level reaches the dirt indicator, it's time to clean the sponges.
4. After cleaning, the water level drops again, allowing the system to function optimally again.

It is therefore not possible to set the water level yourself – the filter automatically indicates when maintenance is required.

I think you may have misunderstood where my valves will be. They are connected to the return pipes after the filter.

 

[GBBUDD]

Foam blocks i would hope would take years to clog after passing through a micron filter. But since those units are horizontal and roll the waste when clogged It may not take as long as I'd hope.

My nano bead does a heck of a job the dirty water it expels every week